Antigone: Creon A Tragic Hero In Sophocles’ play Antigone, the Greek playwright presents one of drama’s leading tragic heroes. Indeed, King Creon, a man of great power and esteem, like many men today, also is filled with hubris. This excessive pride causes the downfall of a man who might otherwise have discovered for himself and who may have shown others that grace and mercy, too, may be signs of a great ruler’s power. Unfortunately, Creon’s hubris reduces him to a virtually powerless and hopeless man. Creon, the tragic hero is a man of very high rank and is respected by his people. He is “[their] new King… Creon of Thebes, Menoceus’ son”